Learning Resources Note-Taking Skills

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Note-taking is an essential skill that can significantly enhance your learning experience. Organizing your thoughts and capturing key concepts during lectures can make studying more effective and improve your academic performance.

Note-Taking Methods

Maximizing the effectiveness of your note-taking begins well before you set pen to paper. It starts with foundational habits such as ensuring regular class attendance and minimizing distractions, like turning off your phone. These practices lay the groundwork for capturing the essence of your lectures effectively. Remember, while there is no single correct way to take notes, adopting a methodical approach is key. By choosing an intentional, consistent, and systematic strategy, you can organize your thoughts and determine the note-taking techniques that resonate most with your learning style. Whether it’s the Outline, Cornell, or Mapping method, the right system can transform your study sessions and enhance your academic performance.

Cornell Notes

Cornell Notes

Picture of a pen and paper The Cornell Note-taking method divides your page into three sections. Begin by drawing two lines to create a larger right-hand section for taking notes during class. After class, summarize the key points in the left-hand column using short cues or phrases. For instance, in a US history class, you might write detailed notes on Civil War battles on the right, and then after class, list key battle names and facts on the left as study cues for you. At the bottom of the page, write a summary or conclusion to reinforce the main themes of your notes. This structured approach helps streamline the review and recall of the material.

Split Page Method

Split-Page Method

Like Cornell Notes, the split-page method involves drawing a vertical line to divide your paper in half. Use the left-hand column to list key items like names, phrases, or formulas. Provide descriptions or details for each item on the left in the right-hand column. This method, essentially a reverse of Cornell Notes, can be used like flashcards for effective memorization practice.

Questions/Evidence/Conclusion

Question/Evidence/Conclusion

The Q/E/C note-taking method, introduced by Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University, focuses on Questions, Evidence, and Conclusions. This method encourages a comprehensive understanding of class material by connecting all subject aspects.

Questions: Convert the learning material into specific, straightforward questions. For instance, in a nutrition class, you might ask, "How does vitamin B impact our health?" Evidence: Document all relevant information answering the question. For the vitamin B example, note its functions in the body and the effects of its deficiency.
Conclusions: Analyze the questions and evidence to draw conclusions. Continuing with vitamin B, you might conclude its dietary importance and list foods high in vitamin B. This structured approach helps you see how different pieces of information fit together.

Mind Mapping

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is like drawing a tree for your ideas. You start with the main idea as the trunk. Then, you draw branches for each big thought related to the main idea. Smaller branches come off these for more details. It’s a fun and easy way to see how your thoughts connect, just like looking at a tree with lots of branches! Use the mind map below to start connecting your ideas.

One tool that is commonly used for mind mapping has recently become available to you.

Transcript

Through Canvas, educators and students now receive a free license to the Lucid Education Suite!

Use Lucid to:

Brainstorm, take notes and whiteboard in a digital space
Collaborate with groups in real-time, communicate thinking
Easily create diagrams, graphic organizers and other visuals
Leverage pre-built, customizable templates, assignments, quizzes

Get Started with Lucid Chart

Handwritten or Digital Notes?

Choosing how to take notes depends on your personal learning preference. Handwriting notes can enhance understanding and memory of conceptual information, while digital notes allow for faster transcription and more accessible storage. Your working memory might influence which method suits you best. Consider these factors to determine the most effective approach for you.

Handwritten

Pros:

It is more straightforward to incorporate drawings, diagrams, and symbols.
It can enhance understanding and retention of conceptual information.
Writing by hand can help with focus and reduce distractions.

Cons:

Writing by hand is generally slower than typing.
Physical notes can be bulky and more challenging to organize.
It is difficult to make changes or add new information later.

Digital

Pros:

Typing is faster, allowing for more comprehensive notes.
Digital notes can be easily organized, searched, and edited.
It is easy to store and back up large amounts of notes.

Cons:

Digital devices can lead to more distractions.
This may result in lower retention of conceptual information compared to handwriting.
Requires access to a device and can be affected by technical issues.

Teaching Someone Else

Transform your study sessions into powerful learning experiences by embracing the role of a teacher. The act of teaching not only reinforces your knowledge but also illuminates areas that need deeper understanding.

To do this, follow the Feynman technique, which involves enhancing your understanding by teaching someone else a concept in simple terms, identifying gaps in your knowledge, and refining your explanation using analogies. This method ensures you fully grasp the material by breaking it down and communicating it.

The Feynman Technique

Write down what you've seen someone else do.
Review your explanation and identify areas where your understanding could be stronger or clearer.
Go back to your study materials and research, and fill in the gaps in your knowledge.
Refine your explanation to make it even simpler and clearer.
Use analogies and metaphors to illustrate complex ideas in an easily understandable way.

Review, Review, Review!

The most important part of taking notes is reviewing them! The more you review your notes, the better you will retain and understand the information. Regular review reinforces learning, helps identify gaps in your knowledge, and ensures you're prepared for assignments. Here are a few ways you can review your notes effectively:

Page Attributions

Teachings in Education. (2017, November 21). Mind Mapping | Teaching Strategies #3 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCyjFipytRE&t=1s
BYU Thriving. (2020, April 1). Note-taking tips for BYU students [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLxAG2gzRAk
Piscine26/stock.adobe.com, Cornell Notes Links to an external site.(Adobe Stock Education License)

Additional Resources